Method and apparatus to support customer premises diagnostics and service simulation via test user interface devices

Abstract

Because networks, such as Optical Distributed Networks (ODNs), dynamically change over time as more users and services are added, service providers are challenged to test operational robustness following installation of equipment or provisioning of services or upgrades. Example embodiments of the present invention allow testing of various services along a communications path, including software upgrades, throughput tests and simulations, and combinations of simulated scenarios with live customer traffic. The example embodiments allow generation of reports based on the testing of various services so that a technician may correct errors and ensure proper provisioning during equipment installation. Such testing may be useful to detect installation or activation problems encountered when a subscriber activates a service at a later date or adds additional devices. The example embodiments simplify installation and provisioning, saving service providers cost on a per installation or provisioning basis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]A Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network architecture, including a Passive Optical Network (PON), extends optical fiber directly to subscribers' premises. According to the FTTP network architecture, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is placed on the subscribers' premises, typically inside the premises. In a typical FTTP deployment, a single network element, such as an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), in a Central Office (CO) may monitor and manage active components of numerous ONTs. Service providers employing the FTTP network architecture experience high costs in bringing optical fiber to customers' premises.[0002]Lengthy installation, itself, at the customer premises is very expensive to the service provider and disruptive to the customer. Despite this, after installation, an installation technician is not sure whether the installation connection is acceptable. Therefore, there is a possibility that there may be a problem with this customer's service at ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Service providers employing the FTTP network architecture experience high costs in bringing optical fiber to customers' premises.

Lengthy installation, itself, at the customer premises is very expensive to the service provider and disruptive to the customer.

Despite this, after installation, an installation technician is not sure whether the installation connection is acceptable.

Therefore, there is a possibility that there may be a problem with this customer's service at the time of installation, according to the activated services, or at a time after the time of installation if additional services are activated.

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